By Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor, "Food and Wine Access"

And

Michael Reiss, Editor, "Food and Wine Access"

Sooner or later your thoughts will return to travel, and when they do, focus in on Honolulu, a gourmet haven.

Book your flight on Aloha Airlines, if you want to start your trip with the "expect more" attitude that’s become their motto. Expect brand new 737’s with leather seats, complimentary head sets and Mai Tai’s, the best airline food we’ve had (lasagna and ethereal coconut cake). Surprise, Aloha serves hot cookies and milk, just when the trip is feeling a bit long.

Photo by Michael Reiss

That’s just coach, mind you! Things get even better in First Class. Expect cocktails before takeoff, hot towels and champagne. Soon after, expect exceptional food created by Alan Wong, superstar chef of "Hawaiian Regional Cuisine." The "Miso Yaki Butterfish with Ponzu Sauce" or "Grilled Lamb Chops with Macadamia Nut Crust" are the current choices. These entrees were the best domestic First Class airline food we’ve experienced, favorably comparing with the top Asian and European airlines, and since Aloha flies out of regional airports, you can also expect more leisure time and less hassle before you board your flight. We flew out of John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. Checking in was a breeze.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Flying has rarely been such a pleasure. Once you arrive in Honolulu, your hotel choices are endless. Consider starting at the west end of O’ahu at the Ko Olina resort area where you will find the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa. Upon arrival at the resort--- about 20 minutes from Waikiki---you immediately begin to unwind, taking in the breathtaking beauty, and solitude that this unique property offers. Far from the maddening crowd, you experience the sensation of being on a neighboring island with all the excitement of nearby Waikiki just twenty minutes away. Once you enter your room, you are immediately struck by the spacious elegance of the décor and the gorgeous views from virtually every location.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Among the unique features of the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, is the world-class spa, not only visually stunning, but professionally managed and superbly staffed. The "Lomi-Lomi Massage," a unique Hawaiian tradition, is expertly executed and soothingly therapeutic, while the "Champagne and Caviar Facial" is the epitome of indulgence and rejuvenation.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Not to be missed is the Naupaka Terrace, the informal dining venue offering a wide selection of island inspired specialties that are as visually appetizing as they are delicious. Executive Chef Randall Ishizu, who oversees all the food outlets, is a proponent of local ingredients, so expect the finest the island has to offer. The resort has such a sense of place, and feels so far removed from the bustle of the city, that many local families from Waikiki favor this resort as their weekend getaway, no doubt, a compliment, when there are so many fine resorts in town.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Photo by Michael Reiss

Then, treat yourself to the luxurious beachfront hotel, Halekulani, a quiet oasis of tranquility and privacy in the midst of bustling Waikiki. The tradition of impeccable service, including in-room registration, fresh fruit and Halekulani chocolates upon arrival and the "For You, Everything Program," which offers guests complimentary tickets to the Honolulu Symphony and many local museums and free internet access begin to explain this hotel’s stellar reputation.

The in-room amenities are thoughtful and extensive. The room is carefully designed to enable you to luxuriate in the bathtub, while still viewing Diamond Head and other wonderful views of the beach and mountains.

In fact, at the weekly cocktail party for guests, we met many return visitors who equate the Halekulani with the best of Honolulu and would simply never consider another hotel. The sense of history and place, and the tradition of hula at sunset---makes this property a favorite for the internationally savvy traveler.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Rediscover your French palette at La Mer, the only restaurant in Hawaii to receive the coveted AAA Five Diamond (Restaurant) award. Michelin-starred, French -born Chef Yves Garnier tempts you with neo-classic French cuisine with South of France influences that offers a contemporary, yet refined dining experience.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Photo by Michael Reiss

Photo by Michael Reiss

Experience the tasteful and beautiful, brand new Mandara Spa, part of the newly opened Kalia Tower. The spa tempts you with Balinese inspired décor and expertly executed Hawaiian, Asian and European treatments that awaken the senses and leave you refreshed, relaxed, and ready for an evening of fine dining at one of the resort’s signature restaurants called Bali By the Sea.

The tranquil Mandara Spa is newly opened at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Under the direction of local chef, Roberto Los Banos, Bali by the Sea features award winning Euro-Asian cuisine. Chef Roberto Los Banos presents you with his wonderfully memorable cuisine. With a view of Waikiki Beach, the chef’s unique island flair and culinary delights offer an outstanding dining experience that may be one of the biggest culinary surprises on the island.

Photo by Michael Reiss

End your gourmet getaway at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental, whose mission it is to completely delight and satisfy their guests. The only AAA Five-Diamond Resort on Oahu, this world-class resort attracts the most discriminating clientele and enjoys a reputation for excellence in the luxury hotel category.

This legendary resort is situated among exotic gardens complete with a waterfall and lagoon that is home to dolphins, sea turtles and tropical fish. This secluded oasis is located on the other side of Diamond Head, just far enough away from the bustle of Waikiki to provide a gracious retreat that whispers the Aloha spirit at every turn.

From the magnificent grounds, to the secluded beach, to the ponds filled with playful dolphins and sea turtles, to the world class dining and entertainment, the Kahala Mandarin Oriental exudes gracious, turn-of-the-century Hawaiian hospitality. The experience begins with in-room registration and a tour of the spacious room which combines the best of old world charm with modern conveniences, such as the dual freestanding vanity sinks, providing a much-appreciated division of bathroom space.

The dining venues are numerous and offer enough diversity to satisfy every mood and taste. Of particular note is the resort’s signature restaurant, Hoku’s, offering heralded Hawaiian Regional Cuisine in a breathtaking oceanfront setting. In addition, The Veranda, an elegant open-air lounge with panoramic ocean views serves an authentic curry buffet lunch as well as afternoon tea, cocktails, dancing and live entertainment.

Unique to this island resort are the resident dolphins whose playful antics provide an endless source of entertainment and delight to young and old. In addition, interactive experiences with the dolphins, called "Dolphin Quest," offered to adults and children on a limited basis, is yet another attraction of this magical resort.

The Kahala Mandarin Oriental’s ecologically sensitive "Dolphin Quest" is a joy to experience.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Best of all, the annual food and wine festival, "The Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii Annual Food and Wine Festival," held just before Halloween, is reason enough to plan a trip. This expertly planned and executed set of events is designed to highlight the culinary skill of Chef Wayne Hirabayashi and introduce guests to celebrated visiting chefs and wine purveyors from around the world.

This is "the" festival to put on your yearly calendar for late October. What could be more tempting than the combination of a world-class resort and a world-class food and wine festival to inspire a trip?

Photo by Michael Reiss

An extravagant gala dinner featuring a savory six-course menu by guest Chef Bernard Dance and Hoku’s Executive Chef Wayne Hirabayashi paired with Moet & Chandon's finest varietals, including exclusive tasting of '90 Dom Perignon & '90 Dom Perignon Rose.